Why Do I Have Brown Areas In My Lawn?

Brown Patch Thrives in Summer Time

If you have brown patches mysteriously appearing in your lawn around this time of the year, chance are fairly good that your grass has a fungus commonly referred to as Brown Patch. Brown Patch thrives in hot, humid conditions, exactly the weather we have right now.

How To Recognize Brown Patch

It initially starts out with a slight purple appearance with “smoke ring” edges, turning a dull brown as the diseases progresses. Upon inspection of the blades of grass, one can find tan lesions which may develop reddish-brown margins. Areas that are totally killed by the fungus will appear light brown, or straw colored, and be very brittle to the touch.

Summer is the optimal time for Brown Patch in Montgomery County, Maryland and other Mid-Atlantic areas. It thrives when temperatures are in the range of 75° to 95° F, with the optimal conditions for leaf colonization being temperatures of 85° to 90° F with high humidity or extended leaf wetness periods.

What To Do

Early identification is key to successful treatment. Brown Patch thrives when lawns have excess moisture (overwatering, high rain or humidity), and will continue to spread during the growing season if conditions do not change. Most people will apply fertilizer when they see dying lawn areas but this only fuels the problem.

Controlling the moisture level is important. While we cannot control what nature gives us or the humidity, we can control how much water we apply using sprinklers or irrigation systems. If Brown Patch is a problem, water should only be applied when it is needed. Watering in the early morning will allow the grass to completely dry before evening, thus limiting the amount of time that the lawn is wet. Watering in the late afternoon and evening should always be avoided. Aerating the lawn will allow the water to soak through to the roots faster.

When mowing, keep the lawn at the height recommended for that species of grass (usually 2.5”-3”). Keeping lawns at lower height has the potential to increase the disease severity. Soil pH also affects the severity of the disease; if the pH is less than 6.0, the lawn needs an application of lime.

If the disease persists, the use of a fungicide may be necessary to truly fight the fungus. As with all pesticides, it is best to have a trained and licensed applicator apply it. There are several fungicides available to fight Brown Patch. Your lawn care provider will be able to recommend that one that is best for your situation.

Allentuck Landscaping Co. is available for all of your lawn care and landscape needs.

Phone: 3015-515-1900 Email: info@allentucklandscaping.com

Allentuck Landscaping Co. is Your Residential Landscape Company proudly serving Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Darnestown, North Potomac, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Boyds, Germantown, Clarksburg, Ijamsville and Urbana.

Vegetable Gardening at ALC HQ: Growing More Than Vegetables

Allentuck Landscaping July 30, 2025

Why the ALC HQ Garden Matters—For Us and Our Clients At Allentuck Landscaping Co., we talk a lot about Improving Lives Through Landscaping. But that doesn’t just happen out in the field or on a client’s property. Sometimes, it happens right here at our own headquarters—through vegetable gardening in the rows of peppers, tomatoes, squash, and greens we’ve got growing behind the shop. Yep, we’ve got a vegetable garden. And it’s not just for show. It’s for our team. And

Patio Privacy Ideas That Actually Work

Allentuck Landscaping July 29, 2025

Tired of feeling like you’re on display every time you step outside? You’re not alone. Most suburban backyards weren’t exactly designed with privacy in mind. Whether it’s nosey neighbors, second-story windows peering down at you, or just the general lack of separation between homes, it’s hard to fully relax on your patio when you feel like you’re being watched. But good news—privacy doesn’t require a tall, ugly fence or a complete redesign. With a few smart moves, you can transform

Drainage Problems: When To Call A Foundation Repair Company vs A Landscape Contractor

Allentuck Landscaping July 21, 2025

Water in the wrong place can quietly wreck your home. One day it’s just a soggy lawn. The next, you’re looking at cracks in your basement wall or a patio that’s sinking like quicksand. Here’s the thing: not all drainage problems are created equal—and neither are the pros who fix them. Knowing when to call a foundation repair company versus a landscape contractor can save you time, stress, and serious money. Let’s break down who does what, what to look

How Wide Should A Front Walkway Be

Allentuck Landscaping July 16, 2025

A front walkway is one of those details that seems small—until it isn’t. Too narrow, and it feels awkward. Too wide, and it might look out of place. Just right? It feels welcoming. Comfortable. Easy. So, let’s answer the question that brings you here: how wide should a front walkway be? The answer depends on how you use it, what kind of impression you want to make, and how it fits into the style of your home. We’ve been designing

Project Spotlight: Outdoor Living Paradise in Rockville, MD

Allentuck Landscaping July 10, 2025

By Allentuck Landscaping Co.Rockville, MD Landscape Contractor When a Rockville family came to us looking to reimagine their outdoor space, the goal wasn’t just to “upgrade the backyard.” They wanted a full-blown destination—something that felt like vacation, without ever leaving home. The result? A complete outdoor living environment designed for relaxation, entertaining, and making memories year-round. As a go-to Rockville, MD Landscape Contractor, our team at Allentuck Landscaping Co. took the project from vision to reality—balancing form and function, style

Mulch Mold – The Weird Stuff Growing In My Garden

Allentuck Landscaping July 8, 2025

You step outside one morning, coffee in hand, and something catches your eye. Your mulch looks like it’s been attacked by a pile of scrambled eggs. Or maybe it’s foamy. Or crusty. Either way, it’s weird—and definitely not what you expected when you paid for fresh mulch. What you’re looking at is mulch mold, and while it might look alarming, it’s more of a quirky houseguest than a problem. What Is Mulch Mold? First off, let’s clear something up. It’s